Self-regulating sweep generator



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 A. J. BARGESKI SELF-REGULATING SWEEP GENERATOR May 8, 1962 Filed sept. 12, 1960 #will lu! n May s, 1962 Filed Sept. l2, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q 3 N om Lum D 22 '56| ou.

I -Inl 5 I E Q0 d: n. I E 1 l I lll 7 v-WW-oo +VOLTS -VOLTS DIFFERENTIAL PULSE INTEGRATOR VOLTS |=|G.2. la

D "3 'f2 51; 'n S a 2 o l E I g o E u. (D INVENTOR 1L EXA/VDEP J. BARGEs/f/ ATTNEY l VUnited StatesY 3,034,061 SELF-REGULATENG SWEEP GENERATGR Alexander I. Bargesiri, Levittown, NSY., assignor to Sperry Rand Corporation, a corporation of Delaware rues sept. 12, 195e, ser. No. 55,473 6 Claims. i. 323-35) The present invention generally relates to sweep waveform generators and, more particularly, to a linear sweep generator adapted for the automatic self-regulation of sweep slope.

The problem of maintaining a predetermined slope characteristic in a linear sweep waveform is of particular concern in precision computer applications. One proposed solution to this problem contemplates the selective matching of the temperature coeicients of the slope determining elements of the sweep generator. -For example, in a generator of the resistance-capacitance type, the resistive and capacitive elements may be selected to have compensating temperature coefficients whereby the slope of the generated waveform tends to remain substantially constant irrespective of environmental temperature ambients..V Alternatively, the entire sweep generator may be enclosed in a temperature stabilizing oven. The aforementioned techniques, however, do not take into account plied to the slope determining elements of the sweep genchanges in the values of the sweep slope determining elements attributable to effects other than temperature change. It is well recognized that normal aging, for example, of the circuit elements may alter the normal values thereof. t

It is the principal object ofthe present invention to provide an improved linear sweep generator for producing a sweep Waveform having a slope that remains at a predetermined value substantially independent of changes in the values of the slope determining circuit elements.

Another object is to provide a linear sweep generator for producing a sweep waveform of substantially constant slope independent of environmental veffects which tend to alter the values of the slope determining circuit elements.

A further object is to provide a sweep generator adapted for the automatic self-regulation of the slope of the generated sweep waveform.

These and other objects of the present invention, as will appear from a reading of the following specification, are accomplished in a preferred embodiment by the provision of a conventional triggered sweep generating circuit. The generated sweep Waveform is applied to a voltage comparator circuit of a differential amplier type to which a fixed amplitude reference voltage is also applied. Two output waveforms are derived from the comparator circuit. Each output waveform has a respective, nominally constant voltage level except for a relatively brief time interval during which the value of the generated sweep waveform traverses the value of the reference voltage. When the sweep waveform and reference voltage values are equal, the amplitudes of the two output waveforms are also equal to each other. The original nominal amplitudes of the two output waveforms interchange after the value of the sweep Waveform passes through the value ofthe reference voltage.

The two output waveforms from the voltage comparator are sampled simultaneously at a predetermined time following the initiation of the triggered sweep waveform.

The difference between the amplitudes of the sampled.

output waveforms is indicative of the deviation between the time of sampling and the time that the value of the sweep waveform equals the value of the referenceivoltage. The sampled output waveforms are applied to a differential pulse integrator which produces an essentially direct current having a polarity representative of the aforementioned time deviation and an amplitude reperating circuit so as to reduce said time deviation toward zero.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference should be had to the following specilisation and to the appended figures of which: v

FIG. l is a simplified block diagram, partially schematic in form, of a preferred embodiment;

'FIG 2 is ar series of waveforms useful in explaining the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a differential pulse integrator for use in the embodiment of FIG. l.

Referring to FIG. 1, a source (not shown) of repetitive pulse trigger signals is coupled to input terminal 1. The pulse triggers are jointly applied to monostable gate generator 2 and to delay circuit 3. Each trigger pulse actuates generator 2 to produce an output pedestal waveform having a leading edge concurrent Awith the initiating trigger pulse and a trailing edge occurring a predetermined time thereafter. The pedestal waveform is applied to switching circuit 4 via buffer amplifier 5. Switching circuit 4 may be a conventional electronic gating circuit connected to function `as a nominally closed single pole single throw switch which, when closed, connects resistor 6 in shunt with capacitor 7. Circuit 4 is actuated by A the pedestal output of amplifier 5 to break the connection of resistor 6 across capacitor 7.

Capacitor 7 is the feedback capacitor of a conventional Miller integrator sweep waveform generator 11 further comprising amplifier 8. A source of negative potential is applied to terminal 9'and, via resistorll), to the input terminal of amplifier S. Sweep generator 11 produces an output waveform on terminal 12having a slope determined by the expression q potential at terminal 9 di n. RmCq v The output sweep waveform is applied via' 1ine'13 to a double triode discriminator of FIG. 9.44 of Waveforms,

Radiation Laboratory Series, volume 19, McGraw-Hill, 1949. In the illustrative case, the sweep waveform of line 13 is applied to the grid of one of the triodes of the discriminator Withthe reference voltage being applied to the grid of the other triode. The output signals produced by comparator 14 are developed at the plates of the triodes and appear, respectively, on output lines 16 and 17.

FIG. 2A illustrates a typical pair of waveforms which might appear at the respective plates of comparator 14. ln the quiescent state when a sweep waveform is not being generated by Miller integrator 1-1, one of the triodes comprising comparator 14 is conducting while the other triode is cut olf. The plate potential of the initially conducting triode is represented by Waveform 18; .the plate potential appearing at the plate of the nonconductingtriode is represented by waveform 19. Following the application -of the trigger Vpulse to terminal 1, a linearly increasing vsweep. waveforrnappears on line 13. As the amplitude of the increasing sweep approaches the value of the reference voltage produced by source 15, a shift in conduction takes place between the cathode coupled triodes of comparator 14 with the initially conducting triode becoming nonconductive and the initially nonconducting triode becoming conductive. The shift of conduction is represented by `the sloping portions y2tl and Z1 of waveforms 19 and l18, respectively. The ampli-l tudes of the sloping portions 20 and 21 become equal at point 22V when the amplitude ofY the sweep waveform of line 13 equals the value Aof the reference voltage produced by source 15. As the sweep Waveform Vcontinues to `increasein amplitude, the shift in conduction between the triodes of comparator 14 is completed. The

'outputV waveforms appearing' on llines 16 and 17 are coupled by .cathode followers '23 and 24 to gated arnpliersZS and 26, respectively.Y Y Y i As previously mentioned, each trigger pulse applied'jto v terminal 1 is delayed a predetermined time interval in delay circuit 3. VThe output ofvdelay circuit 3 actuates gate generator 27 vto produce the gating waveform rep- `resented by waveform B nfl-FIG. 2. The gating waveformY B is applied jointly to' gated amplifiers Z5 and 26 if -which act as Ysampling gates. YUpon the actuation of "sampling gates 25 and 2,6 by gating'waveform B, they 'instantaneous amplitudes of output waveforms 1 8' and 19 of `FlG. 2A are sampled and applied, respectively, to cathode followers YZSancl 29. In the eventthat gating waveform B occurs at a time whenV the amplitude of the sweep waveform ofline 13 differs from the value of the reference voltage producedby source 115, then theVV Y amplitudes of the sampled signal outputs of ampliiiers ,and lai'e'unequal.V4 Such a case is typilied by Waveforms C and Drof FIG.*2 which are produced when gating waveforrnB precedes theV occurrence of a crossover point 22 of waveform A. The negative-going pulse of waveformY C results from the 'sampling of the sloping portion A,20 of waveformy A whereas the negative-going pulse D results from the sampling-of sloping portion 2-1 of waveform A. The sampled pulse signals() and D of FIG. 2

are appliedto the inputs of diiereutial'pulse integratorY 30. Integrator 30 to produces an essentially direct current compensating signal on line 31 having an amplituderelated to the difference in amplitude between pulses C and D of FIG; 2 and having a polarityrre'presenting the sense ofrsaid difference- An Y illustrative differential pulse integrator is, rep-V i resented ,byV the schematic diagram of FIG. 3. Referring `to FIG; 3, 'the negativefgoing pulse sample at the output ofV cathode follower 28 is, applied, via `capacitor 32 .to

the vjunctionbetween isolating ldiodes 33 and 34. Simi-V larly, the negative-going pulse .sample at thevoutput of amplier 40. The output plate of amplifier 40 is directly coupled Vto D C. amplifier 41. The output of ampliiier 41 is coupled via cathode follower. 42 to output Vline 31 and to a rst side of feedback` capacitor 44. The other side of feedback capacitor 44 is' coupled to the input grid the difference in amplitudes between the negative pulse samples applied to capacitors33 and 35. The Acharge resulting on capacitor 35 from'the application of the negativepulse sample is discharged', followingthe termination of the pulse sample, viadiode 37 after overcoming the small back bias applied to terminal 39. The essentially direct potential lproduced on output line 31 is applied via resistor 43 of FIG. l to the input of ampliiier 3 of sweep generating circuit 11.

The potential of line 31 at the output of differential pulse integrator 30 modies the slope of the sweep-waveform produced by generator 11Yin accordance with the following expression de=potential at terminal 9+potential of line 3lv di H4067 Y 'Y R430? The last term of the aboverexpression compensates for anyf change-in slope of the sweep waveform produced by generator yl1 irrespective of the cause thereof, c g., temperature variation or aging. The slope of the vgenerated sweep waveform thus is maintained at thatpredetermined value which causes crossover point 22Yof YFlCGr.

2A to occur substantially at the same time as samplingA pulse B following the initiation of the sweep'waveform.

While the'invention has been described in its preferred embodiments; it is understood that the words which have been used are Words of description rather than of limitation and thatV changes within the purview of the appended claims may be made without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects.V

What is claimed is:

l. Apparatus comprising a sweepgenerator for producing Va linear sweep voltage having a slope responsive to theamplitude and polarity of a compensating signal, a source of xed amplitude reference voltage;Y actuable voltage comparison means for producing when actuated an output signal having an amplitude proportional to the difierence between the amplitudes of first and second input vsignals and having a polarity representing the sense of said diiierenca said sweep voltage and said 4reference voltage being applied to said comparison means as said `irst and second input signals, respectively, triggering.

i means for actuating said sweep generator, means coupled to said triggering means for producing a control pulse at a predetermined time following the actuation .of said sweep generator, said control pulse being applied to said comparison means'ior actuating said comparison means,

and means for applying said output signal as said com-A pensating signal` to said sweepv generator.

2. Apparatus comprising a sweepA generator, said sweep generator including means for producing a linear sweep voltage having a sloperresponsive toV the amplitude and polarity of a compensating signal,.a source of ixed amplitude reference voltage, actuable voltage comparison means for producing `when actuatedan output signal hav# ing an amplitude proportional to the diierence ybetween the amplitudes of first and second input signals and having a polarity representing the sense of said diierence,

of Yarnplier 40. As will be recognized by those skilled Y in the art, amplifiers 40 and41, cathode follower 42o, and feedback'capacitor .44 together comprise a Vconventional integrator.

In4 operation, the negative Ypulse-,sample applied to ca-V capacitor 44 related tothe amplitude of the pulse sample applied to capacitor 32. Thenegative'pulse sample applied to capacitor A3S flows'throughdiode 36 andinto feedback capacitorr44 Vina direction opposite to that taken by the discharging current of capacitor 32. VThe resultingnet charge on feedback capacitor 44 is related to( pled to receive said trigger pulses, said comparison meansv being at-uated by the delayed triggerpulse's at the output Vof said delay means, and Vmeans for applying said outsignal. l

3. A self-regulating sweep generator comprising means for producing a linear sweep Vvoltage having a slope reput signm to said sweep `generator as said compensating Ysponsive to the amplitude and polarity of a compensating signal, a voltage amplitude comparator, a source of Xed amplitudey reference voltage, said sweep voltage and lsaid reference voltage being applied to said comparator, said comparator producing across a pair of. outputterminals a -rst output signal having an amplitude proportional to the difference between the amplitudes of said sweep voltage and said reference voltage and having a polarity representing the sense of said diierence, triggering means for actuating said means for producing said sweep voltage, means coupled to said triggering means for generating a sampling pulse at a predetermined time following the actuation of said means for producing said sweep voltage, sampling gate means coupled to the output terminals of said comparator and to said means for geuerating said sampling pulse, said sampling gate means being actuated by said sampling pulse to produce a second output signal having an amplitude and .polarity related to those of said iirst output signal at the time of occurrence of said sampling pulse, and means for applying said second output signal as said compensating signal to said means for producing said sweep voltage.

4. Apparatus comprising a linear sweep voltage generator, said generator including slope determining elements for controlling the slope of the generated sweep voltage in accordance with the amplitude and polarity of an applied compensating signal, a voltage amplitude cornparator, a source of fixed amplitude reference voltage, said sweep voltage and said reference voltage being applied to said comparator, said comparator producing across a pair of output terminals a first output signal having an amplitude proportional to the difference between the amplitudes of said sweep voltage and said reference voltage and having a polarity representing the sense of said difference, means -responsive to applied trigger pulses for actuating said sweep generator, pulse delay means, said trigger pulses being applied to said pulse delay means, sampling gate means coupled to the output terminals of said comparator and to the output of said delay means, said sampling gate means being actuated by the delayed trigger pulses to produce a second output signal having an amplitude and polarity proportional to those of said first output signal at the time of occurrence of said denected across the input and output of said amplifier, said sweep generator producing a linear sweep voltage having a slope responsive to the amplitude and polarity of a compensating -signa-l applied to said input of said amplitier, a voltage amplitude comparator, a source of fixed amplitude reference voltage, said sweep voltage and said reference voltage being applied to said comparator, said comparator producing across a pair of output terminals a iirst output signal having an amplitude proportional to the dierence Ibetween the amplitudes of s-aid sweep voltage and said reference voltage and having a polarity representing the sense of said diierence, triggering means for actuating said sweep generator, means coupled to said triggering means for generating a sampling pulse at a predetermined time following the actuation of said sweep generator, sampling gate means coupled to the output terminals of said comparator and to said means for generating said sampling pulse, said sampling gate means being actuated by said sampling puise -to produce a second output signal having an amplitude and polarity related to those of said rst output signal at the time of occurrence of said sampling pulse, `and means for applying said second Voutput signal as said `compensating signal to said input of said amplier.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said means for applying said second output signal to said input of said ampliiier comprises a resistor.

References Cited in the tile of this patent YUNITED STATES PATENTS 2,984,788 Koffi et al May 16, 1961 

